Fit-again Sonny Bill itching to get back in action in third Test against France

Sonny Bill Williams was surprised at the speed of his recovery from minor knee surgery. Photo: Jason Reed/Reuters

Sonny Bill Williams was surprised at the speed of his recovery from minor knee surgery. Photo: Jason Reed/Reuters

Published Jun 20, 2018

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DUNEDIN – Sonny Bill Williams is chomping at the bit to join the fray for the All Blacks in Saturday's third Test against France in Dunedin.

The centre has been sidelined by injury for a few months but returned to training last week and the medical team has given him the all-clear to play. 

Williams said he was feeling good after a rigorous workout on Tuesday morning but added that he also had a tough workout before the second Test in Wellington with Kieran Read and had come through unscathed from that.

He said he was surprised at the speed of his recovery from minor knee surgery.

"I thought I wouldn't be playing for four to six weeks so it all happened kind of quickly. I was in holiday mode," he said.

SBW: I had a rigorous workout on Tuesday and came through it unscathed. Photo: @AllBlacks on Twitter

But a meeting with the coaching and medical staff said his operation had been a success and a lot better than expected. 

When coach Steve Hansen asked the doctor if there was a chance Williams could play he replied in the affirmative.

Williams added that having worked out with Read before the Test that he looked ready to play but he left it to others to make the final decision.

TEAM NAMING | Four players are set to make their #AllBlacks debut in the final Test of the #SteinlagerSeries against France.

READ ➡️ https://t.co/jHo384CgMX #NZLvFRA pic.twitter.com/Uz2qhA6kkI

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) June 20, 2018

Meanwhile, halfback TJ Perenara has expressed his views about Hurricanes teammate Julian Savea's announcement that he would be moving to France to play for Toulon. Perenara said Savea would probably be regarded as one of the best wings to have played the game and with that in mind he had done his family, his friends, his province, club and country proud.

"I'm gutted to see my mate go, not only on a professional level but on a personal level. He's someone that I'm very close with and that I've built a good bond with over our career."

Williams said Savea's quarterfinal display against France at the 2015 World Cup stood out in his and everyone else's mind. 

African News Agency (ANA)

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